Archive for the ‘Middelsborough 1 – 1 Liverpool’ Category

Steve Hunter at the Riverside Stadium 04 September 2007A second half penalty from Ray Putterill earned Liverpool Reserves a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in a highly controversial encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

It was the Reds first Barclays Premier Reserve League North match of the season and it was a game full of many talking points.

Middlesbrough’s opening goal will be talked about for a long time. In scenes reminiscent of Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, striker Tom Craddock punched a Gaizka Mendieta cross into the back of the net. Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje was incensed but despite the Liverpool protests the goal was given.

It was tough on Liverpool who played very well on the night, but Gary Ablett’s side kept working hard and they got their just rewards when Putterill equalised from the penalty spot, after a hand ball from Boro defender Jonathan Grounds.

Liverpool probably should have taken all three points on the night but despite creating some glorious opportunities they were let down by wasteful finishing.

French goalkeeper Itandje and Spanish youth international Mikel San Jose made their first appearances for the Reds and both players did well. Itandje was steady and he made a brilliant save towards the end of the game, while San Jose looked calm and composed at the heart of the Reds defence.

Brazilian international Lucas and Argentine winger Sebastian Leto also started the game for Ablett’s side, while French Under-21 international Damien Plessis made his debut as a second half substitute. Jack Hobbs captained the team and partnered San Jose at centre half, while summer capture from Stockport County Ryan Crowther made his debut on the right wing.

On show for Middlesbrough was Spanish international Gaizka Mendieta in midfield, who once cost Lazio £32 million pounds.

Liverpool have made some very astute purchases during the summer and in Leto and Lucas the Reds have two very talented players. The pair caught the eye on the night and the Argentine left winger terrorised the Boro defence on the left wing throughout the game. Lucas combined really well with Jay Spearing in central midfield while Putterill was outstanding when he came on down the right wing.

There are many positives for Ablett to take from this game and the Reds would have taken all three points but for a goal that should never have been given.